Forbes highest paid celebrities 2019: famous people ruling the world with their money

We all know celebrities reek of insane amounts of money. But just how much? Forbes brings to you the 2019 list of the highest paid celebrities to make you wonder just how much dollars the world is infested with-

Taylor Swift

Earnings: $185 M

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With her tremendous musical prowess and her head strong defiance of conventional norms, Taylor Swift is very prominently a celebrity in the public realm. Her quick rise to fame has been helped by how well her music resonates with the contemporary vibes of her younger crowd. Drawing from experiences of her personal life and relationships, Taylor Swift has emerged to be the most relatable among new- age stars, cementing her position and appeal as the highest paid celebrity of 2019.

Kylie Jenner

Earnings: $170 M

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The youngest billionaire ever, Kylie Jenner is yet another successful name stemming from the illustrious Kardashian- Jenner clan. Courtesy her make up brand Kylie cosmetics and her banking as a social media star has ensured Jenner the second spot in the list of highest paid celebrities.

Kanye West

Earnings: $150 M

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Kanye West is one of those names in the rap world that is instantly identifiable among new age rap enthusiasts. Among the most critically acclaimed musicians of the 21st century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, West draws a significant fortune from his record breaking music and brand collaborations. But that’s not even all that churns the bucks for a very controversial Kanye.

His own clothing line Yeezy apart, West also has a multi million dollar collaboration with Adidas that markets his Yeezy pair of sneakers. His association with G.O.O.D. Music for his music records as well as the sold out Yeezus experience tours and his many production ventures have put West firmly on course to project himself a s business savvy rapper capable of making it to the top, as much with his monetary worth as with his musical prowess.

Lionel Messi

Earnings: $127 M

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The charismatic Argentine footballer recently laid his claim to the title of the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year asserting once more why he is so strongly placed among the elite top three in the list of highly paid celebrities.

Ed Sheeran

Earnings: $110 M

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The shy 28 year old hitmaker isn’t so shy when it comes to raking in the moolah. One of the most sought after musicians of the current time, Ed Sheeran’s multiple Grammy winning abilities sure manifest in his ability to command the adulation- and money- he deserves.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Earnings: $109 M

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Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is yet another footballer who has made his presence felt among the top five of the world’s highest paid celebrities. It’s no wonder that the second highest paid athlete in the world has forever been a strong nemesis of yet another G.O.A.T of the game- Lionel Messi.

Neymar

Earnings: $105 M

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The second most followed athlete on Instagram after Ronaldo, Brazilian star striker Neymar comes second to Ronaldo yet again when it comes to the list of the highest paid celebrities in the world.

The Eagles

Earnings: $100 M

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American rock band The Eagles might have disbanded and reunited a couple of time ever since they came to the fore in 1971 but their multiple Grammy winning abilities that even clinched them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 also fetches them the fortunes. No wonder they occupy eight spot in the list of highest paid celebrities in 2019.

Dr. Phil McGraw

Earnings: $95 M

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American television personality, author and pyschologist Dr. Phil or Phillip Calvin McGraw is the lone tele presence in the top 10 of the highest paid celebrities list this year.

Canelo Alvarez

Earnings: $94 M

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A three weight world boxing champion, 29 year old Canelo Alvarez from Mexico round up the top 10 of the list of highest paid celebrities with cumulative earnings of 94 million dollars this year.

Roger Federer

Earnings: $93.4 M

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One among the most distinguished players in tennis history, Swiss great Roger Federer missed out on the top 10 by just a whisker, cementing instead his 11th standing on the list of the highest paid celebrities of 2019.

J.K. Rowling

Earnings: $92 M

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The most popular magic spinner of our times, J. K. Rowling is a woman who is as magical as her tales. Apart from gifting the world the wonderful wizardry world through Harry Potter, Rowling also is a wonderfully strong and uplifting individual. Even as she chartered her own victorious way out of the drudges of rejection and dejection to become the first ever billionaire author, Rowling is also another wonderful philanthropist who believes in weaving magic in real by making the world a better place to live in.

Dwayne Johnson

Earnings: $89.4 M

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‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson might have been a former WWE professional but his claim to being the fifteenth of the highest earning celebrities in the world rests on his acting prowess. The towering actor dominates not only with his phenomenal screen presence but also with his histrionic abilities.

Elton John

Earnings: $84 M

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Acclaimed musician Elton John is yet another musical presence on the list of the highest earning celebrities of the times with a cumulative earning of $84 million.

Jay-Z

Earnings: $81 M

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Jay Z has over the years churned out music that have been chartbusters claiming the No 1 spot for a record 14 tracks while landing an equally record breaking Grammys- a whopping 22 times. And with his fetish for making unprecedented records, it is no wonder that this artiste has emerged to be the first ever hip hop billionaire and the richest rapper in the world.

However it isn’t just music that has catapulted Jay-Z to the numero uno position in the list of richest rappers. A fortune from his musical records compounded by his own calculative investment sense has ensured that Jay-Z maintains his steady rise to the top with a grand $1 billion to his name.

The phenomenal net worth that Jay-Z’s empire now rests on streams largely from his smart investments in ventures as distinct as clothing lines and cognac & liquor and nightclubs, apart from the steady flow from record companies. The rapper’s ownership of music streaming service Tidal, stakes in Roc Nation and liquor company Armand de Brignac and D’Usse cognac has contributed massively to his steady increase in net worth since the past couple of decades or so.

Beyoncé Knowles

Earnings: $81 M

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One of the best selling music artists of all times and the highest paid black musician, Beyonce is a storm that has been ruling the world ever since she set her foot in the professional music industry. A young girl from Houston who envisaged a dream and worked hard her way through it to bag ultimate success is what makes her an inspiration for so many of us out there waiting to make it matter in the world. As a true global icon, Beyonce sparks admiration not only because of her prowess as a songstress, but also as a strong level headed woman, a feminist with a definite mind of her own and her vision to empower more people out there

Ellen DeGeneres

Earnings: $80.5 M

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If there’s something other than humour and charm that comes naturally to Ellen DeGeneres, it’s compassion. An emphatic philanthropist, a core humanitarian and an individual who realises the importance of how essential and enlightening it is to nurture the ultimate virtue of kindness, Ellen is one of those truly charitable celebrities.

From encouraging compassion to supporting worthy causes, apart from being the perfect host of her hit talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen has struck a chord with millions of souls in the world who identify with her spirit of sustaining humanity. And that’s exactly what makes her a celebrated global icon.

Chris Hemsworth

Earnings: $76.4 M

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The handsome Thor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe had the role do wonders for him as it helped him emerge as one of the leading and highest-paid actors in the world. No wonder he is a sure shot presence in the Forbes list with his 2019 film Avengers: Endgame doing wonders at the box office worldwide.

Drake

Earnings: $75 M

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He has been a phenomenon ever since he made his debut by rolling out a track that soon became number one on the US Billboard 200 list, continuously dishing out chart peaker records year after year. A slew of Grammy Awards in his kitty, Drake worked his way up to be the world’s highest-certified digital singles artist and one of the world’s best-selling music artists.

Drake’s feature in the list of world’s richest rappers is all the more significant given that he is the youngest one to make the cut. His stature as the highest selling artist sure makes the ascent to the top easier, along with extensive tours and shows. Endorsement deals with big names like Sprite, Nike and Apple Music apart from investment in real estate and launch of Virginia Black whiskey and his own music label and clothing line further spikes up his income to a whopping 150 million dollars.

Kim Kardashian West

Earnings: $72 M

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Kim Kardashian is a name instantly recognised on the social celebrity bandwagon and with her assertion of worth as perhaps the most visible heir of the Kardashian clan initially she sure has all it takes to rake in the bucks.

Robert Downey Jr.

Earnings: $66 M

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He has been Hollywood’s single highest- paid actor consecutively from 2013- 2015 and with his raved about enactment of Iron Man aka Tony Stark in a host of Marvel films, Robert Downey Jr counts on his 2019 release Avengers: Endgame to make it to the list of the highest earning celebrities in the world.

Akshay Kumar

Earnings: $65 M

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The seventh highest-paid actor in the world Akshay Kumar occupies definite place as being among the top 10 richest Bollywood actors. Also one among those Bollywood stars who continuously churns out highest grossers, Akshay Kumar is as bankable a star as worthy of his net income.

With a fee charge that goes up to as much as 40 crore rupees per film, and with the number of films he takes up each year, Akshay Kumar has to be indubitably one of the richest actors. His brand endorsements are equally impressive, as being associated with reputed brands like Honda Motorcycles, LG Electronics, Manappuram Gold Loan, Thums Up, Pepsi, Micromax Mobiles, Relaxo, Dollar Club, Red Label in his capacity as a celebrity artiste.

Tiger Woods

Earnings: $63.9 M

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He might have fallen from grace and risen to success once again in his illustrious golfing career but American man Tiger Woods still commands respect and the bucks, specially in 2019 after he once again won the Master’s tournament this year after claiming the title four times earlier in his career.

Gordon Ramsay

Earnings: $63 M

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Food connoisseurs around the world know Gordon Ramsay as the king of epicurean pursuits. With earnings of 63 million US dollars, Ramsay makes it to the 35th spot on the Forbes 2019 list.

Rihanna

Earnings: $62 M

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The rude boy hitmaker has been off the music arena for quite a while with no new release since some time. But that does not in any way deter her money making skills as she has her business ventures to fall back on. Currently with $62 million worth of earnings in her kitty, Rihanna is 36th on the list of highest paid celebrities.

Kevin Hart

Earnings: $59 M

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An American comedian and actor, Kevin Hart’s comedy style delves into his own life experiences of racial, physical, familial and gender divide. Insecurities of his unconventional height and belonging to a black family finally found acceptance in his psyche through his own comic presentation and catapulted him to fame as a classic stand- up comedian.

Jackie Chan

Earnings: $58 M

With his exceptional stunts and killer martial moves, Jackie Chan is the action movie star who revolutionised the genre of action movies with his stupendous ability. He continues to pack a punch even now, with his presence among the top 50 of the highest paid celebrities in the world.

Travis Scott

Earnings: $58 M

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American rapper and singer Travis Scott joins his billionaire girlfriend Kylie Jenner with his millions placing him at 39th position on the list of the 100 highest paid celebrities in the world.

Katy Perry

Earnings: $57.5 M

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As power magazine Cosmopolitan enlists Katy Perry as a global icon, the singing star is one who is celebrated for crossing the limits of boundaries through her concentration on a pursuit that is a cultural endeavor. With music that is soulful and empowering and an attitude that is universally appealing, Katy Perry’s philanthropic works have also got her tremendous credibility as a humanitarian icon. An LGBT rights champion, a youth activist, an animal rights supporter and a fighter for hunger causes, Katy Perry’s dedicated humanitarian efforts have stood her to gain ground as a global celebrity icon.

Justin Timberlake

Earnings: $57.5 M

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American singer- actor Justin Timberlake is the proud recipient of ten Grammys, four Emmys and nine Billboard music awards and his tremendous credibilities as an artiste also earn him the bucks placing him at 41st on the list of highest paid celebrities.

Bradley Cooper

Earnings: $57 M

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The star of A Star is Born, American actor and filmmaker BradleyCooper’s $57 million earnings in 2019 pegs him at 43rd on the list of the highest earning celebrities this year.

Adam Sandler

Earnings: $57 M

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American comedian actor Adam Sandler relies on his rib tickling expertise to assert his presence in the list of the world’s highest paid celebrities.

Scarlett Johansson

Earnings: $56 M

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The Black Widow of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the world’s highest paid actress and is the 47th highest paid celebrity overall in the Forbes 2019 list. Interestingly, like other MCU actors in the list, Johanson also owes her presence in this year’s list to Avengers: Endgame which is the highest grossing film of all time.

Lewis Hamilton

Earnings: $55 M

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Five time Formula One champion, British racing driver Lewis Hamilton’s presence in the 2019 list of the highest paid celebrities is based on his cumulative $55 million earnings during a one year period.

Bruno Mars

Earnings: $51.5 M

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American singer- songwriter Bruno Mars with his host of awards and accolades is yet another decorated musician in the list of Celebrity top 100 of Forbes’ highest earning personalities in 2019.

Novak Djokovic

Earnings: $50.6 M

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The world number 1 tennis player might not be the numero uno when it comes to making money out of his game but he still serves some love with his 55th position on the list of top 100 celebrities in the world.

Eminem

Earnings: $50 M

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The rap world is incomplete without him, fellow rappers look up to him and he has continuously been counted as one among the most influential of all time. That’s Eminem for you- an ever growing prowess, an empire of music that has earned him legions of fans around the world and also a whopping $225 million accumulation over time.

Eminem has this knack of ruling over charts, dropping records with the slightest buzz yet in the aftermath generating a roar as resounding as any true artist would garner. His tremendous wealth is also a very clear sight of this legacy he carries- record sales, sold out tours, massive royalties compounded further by also his business ventures.

The God of Rap counts on his investments in places like StockX and the online music encyclopedia Genius and also on his own record label Shady Records to continue pulling in the numbers as one of the richest- and most successful- rappers.

Ariana Grande

Earnings: $48 M

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A Grammy and a couple of Billboard music awards in her kitty, Ariana Grande is not only the most followed woman on Instagram in 2019 but also a very prominent presence on Forbes’ list of top 100 highest paid celebrities.

Paul McCartney

Earnings: $48 M

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Legendary English musician Paul McCartney is the oldest feature on the 2019 Forbes highest paid celebrities list. The 77 year old McCartney comes 62nd on the list with earnings of $48 million.

The Chainsmokers

Earnings: $46 M

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The Chainsmokers are the highest paid among DJs in 2019 and the 67th highest paid celebrities overall in the 2019 Forbes list.

Steve Harvey

Earnings: $45 M

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Funnyman Steve Harvey’s $45 million fortunes in 2019 lends him the 69th spot on the list of the highest earning celebrities in the world.

Chris Evans

Earnings: $43.5 M

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The beloved Captain America of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Chris Evans also draws upon Avengers: Endgame to rake in 43.5 million worth of dollars to be the 73rd presence on the Forbes list.

Jennifer Lopez

Earnings: $43 M

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Multifaceted personality, American JLo is a singer, actress, dancer, fashion designer, producer and businesswoman all in one. No wonder her tremendous prowess lends her enough money might to place her on 76th of the highest earning celebrities list in 2019.

Rolling Stones

Earnings: $41 M

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English rock band The Rolling Stones lives on its sold out concert tours and reputation as one of the finest music bands of all time with a slew of accolades and awards in its kitty to stomp its presence on 83rd of the highest paid celebrities list.

Sebastian Vettel

Earnings: $40.3 M

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Another multiple Formula One World champion Sebastian Vettel joins fellow racing driver Lewis Hamilton on the list of highest earning celebrities on 86th position.

DJ Khaled

Earnings: $40 M

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American DJ, songwriter and also writer, DJ Khaled’s 40 million dollars in earnings puts him on 87th position in the highest paid celebrities list of 2019.

The Weeknd

Earnings: $40 M

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Canadian singer and songwriter The Weeknd who also made his cinematic debut in 2019 is another Grammy decorated presence on the world’s highest earning celebrities list this year.

Lady Gaga

Earnings: $39.5 M

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Lady Gaga’s presence in the world celebrity circuit feeds not just on her music but also on her antics and dressing outrageousness. A Guinness world record holder and a Grammy hoarder, Lady Gaga comes at 90th on the coveted Forbes list.

Calvin Harris

Earnings: $38.5 M

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The British Producer of the Year in 2019, Scottish DJ, singer and songwriter Calvin Harris has been not just the world’s highest paid DJ for six consecutive years from 2013 to 2018 but also made it to the top 100 of the world’s highest paid celebrities, capturing 95th spot on the list.

Celine Dion

Earnings: $37.5 M

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Christened The Queen of Adult Contemporary by Billboard, Canadian singer Celine Dion remains one of the best selling artists of all times and rounds up the 2019 highest paid celebrities list with a grand earning of $37.5 million in 2019.